It isn’t easy to shop for car parts. In fact, it can be one of the most difficult vehicle-related decisions you’ll ever have to make. How can you be sure you’re getting the best deal from the right manufacturer? How do you know which parts will be compatible with your car? If you want to take some of the uncertainty out of your decision, here are just five tips for buying car parts.

1. Compare and Contrast

Never buy the first part you see. Even if you think it’s a good price, it might be available for less money or come with free shipping on another site. Always check out what a company’s competitors are doing before you make the decision to buy from them.

2. Know Your Area

Where are the mechanics in your neighborhood? Where is the nearest lightweighting facility or ductile iron foundry? You never know when you might have need of them, and triangulating their location can help you feel more at ease with your auto knowledge as a whole. The more confident you are about your purchases, the less you’ll regret them later.

3. Verify Your Part Number

Legal car parts come with special company-issued numbers that will ensure you buy the exact same part when replacing or upgrading it. If you aren’t sure about your numbers, call the dealership and verify. You might also want to verify even if you think you already know; you can never be too careful.

4. Consider New Versus Used

Some people insist that new parts are the only ones worth buying. Others are comfortable with buying used as long as they’re in good shape. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to the eternal “new versus used” debate, so figure out where your own comfort levels lie.

5. Learn How to Haggle

This won’t work if you’re buying parts online, of course, but if you’ve been scavenging junkyards and auto auctions, you might be able to lower the asking price through a careful series of negotiating techniques. For example, you might ask someone to match a price you found from another retailer.

These are just a few things to keep in mind as you search for car parts. Whether you’re looking for expensive wheels or tiny engine pieces, it’s important to only buy the best. Your safety on the road could depend on it.